How do "online" D&D or Pathfinder games work ?

[rXp]

Hello,

I'm new and I really want to play some D&D or Pathfinder (I have the pathfinder rulebook) but where I live there is nobody to play it (switzerland). I never played so I can't just start a party and be the GM like that *snap*.
That's why I thought "maybe I could join a online game"... But where can I find some ? How does it work ? Is there a website or a software ? Or is it just mumble/ventrilo/teamspeak and a chat ?

I hope you will be able to help me,

Best regards,

rXp

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

There are lots of choices, including play by post games at ENWorld and elsewhere (I've run an eight-year long Ptolus game on a private board of my own), live games over Google+ using microphones and (optionally) webcams, and hybrids at Roll20.

 

[rXp]

For someone who only knows paper RPG from the rulebook and internet (so that means a lot of theory but nothing substantial) what do you recommend me ? For now (as a student) I can't really afford a monthly sub to anything (more than 10$).

 

[Warunsun]

For someone who only knows paper RPG from the rulebook and internet (so that means a lot of theory but nothing substantial) what do you recommend me ? For now (as a student) I can't really afford a monthly sub to anything (more than 10$).

As strange as this might sound I would recommend playing a free-to-play fantasy MMO. These games aren't the same as table-top role-playing but have many of the same concepts and it will get you familiar with some of them. And familiar with dealing with people in a game.

Two free D&D games:
Neverwinter (http://nw.perfectworld.com/) [very loosely based around 4E ideas]
D&D Online (http://www.ddo.com/) [loosely based on v3.5 D&D]

 

[Gilladian]

For someone who only knows paper RPG from the rulebook and internet (so that means a lot of theory but nothing substantial) what do you recommend me ? For now (as a student) I can't really afford a monthly sub to anything (more than 10$).

I would start with play-by-post, myself. It is not really very much LIKE playing a live face-to-face game, but it is fun. The thing to remember is that it is SLLLLOWWWWWWWwwwwww...

Try here at EnWorld to find a game that's recruiting new players, and volunteer. Also, if you want to try some tabletop games online, you can join a google+ group like the DungeonWorld Tavern; they do a lot of pickup games for DW (which is not pathfinder or DnD, exactly, but is similar). You could play 2-3 pickup games, see if you like playing with google hangout/roll 20 or whatever the group is using, and get familiar with roleplaying in general. Then, when you are more familiar, you can try recruiting 2-3 friends in the "real world" to play face to face.

 

[frogimus]

There are some good youtube channels for DM advice and also for watching some people play through a session. Also, the Pathfinder Beginner Box is a good start for someone that hasn't played before (even for a novice GM/DM). This pdf adventure http://www.dndclassics.com/product/123270/Ghosts-of-Dragonspear-Castle-DD-Next is also a simple, self contained mini campaign using DD Next playtest rules (included).

 

[gamerprinter]

Virtual Tabletop software include free software like MapTools that requires a little programming savvy, or Roll20 a free online software, paid for software like Battlegrounds. Essentially its a window with a map that the GM can set-up walls structures, hidden things (passages, traps, hiding monsters). Also limits on vision at night filters what each player can see on the map. A skype type setup, chat, so players can speak to one another (in secret from the GM), where the GM can speak to the players, and some kind of dice roller app.

Lots of people do it. Sometimes based on download speeds, changing maps, moving figures of each PC and monster, takes a little time, so that its slower than playing it live at the table, but it seems manageable to most online groups.

Many websites (I think ENWorld included) has special forums to recruit players for proposed games, or to find games to play in and join. Sometimes finding a reliable group is more difficult than maintaining a live table - there are idiosyncracies, but can be a fun alternative to live games.

I don't do it myself, as I have a regular live group I play with, but I am a pro cartographer and make maps that many use for their games, so I know a little about it.

 

[Mistwell]

Just go to Roll20, and look around, watch the demos, maybe see if you can watch a game. Roll20 is free, and in my opinion it's the best online platform.

 

[Hussar]

Either the roll20 forums or the map tool ones have tons of games advertised. Great communities.

 

[Sheepat]

My group does online DnD 4th edition games. Very fun once you get used to it, and we've had a great time. Roll20 is a very useful tool for online rpg sessions, and it's not very hard to learn (almost everything stated is in the tutorial they provide.) and you can find yourself using its tools a lot.

Really, it's the same as doing a regular DnD session at the table, though it can feel more disconnected if the group decides to start wandering the internet on their own. You can't watch their reactions and what they're doing 24/7 (unless you use cameras, which my group doesn't) and it can require a bit more control over the group to get them down and play DnD. Overall, though, it's pretty darn fun.